Yous Kids Whirly Ball, March 1. Anyone interested?

Yous Kids,

Saturday, March 1st from 1:00-3:00 is an opportunity for Yous Kids.  We're trying to see if there's enough interest for a group reservation to Whirlyball in Lombard, IL.  It's 15 minutes from my home.

The video above or this website here (link) will explain more about this crazy fun time.

Cost would likely be about $25/person.

We're looking for either 10/15/20 people to make it worthwhile and fun for everyone.

SO... who's in?  Any interest in something like this?

This idea spawned from a conversation that Uncle Dike and I had over Yous Kids Christmas.

Comment below if you would be interested.

Thanks!

Prayers for our niece

HI Family,
Our niece Emily Ratliff (Mike's sister Patti's daughter) is 21 years old and has epilepsy.  She has been on a journey through this illness to try and stop or control her seizures.  Medication has helped, but she still experiences seizures.  Surgery is the one option that can give her hope of living an independent life with the ability to drive again and live seizure free.  Emily had a first surgery two weeks ago where doctors implanted leads into her brain to track the origin of her seizures.  Last week she had 4 seizures and the data confirmed that all of the seizures came from the same spot in her brain.  Next Tuesday morning, Jan. 21, (7:30 am) she will have surgery to remove that section of her brain.  She has one of the top neurosurgeons and team of doctors at the University of Chicago Medical Center.  Please join us in praying for Emily; that God would use the team of doctors and nurses and modern medicine to heal her.   Emily has a strong faith in the Lord and appreciates all of our prayers.
thanks,
Kim & Mike

We Have a Date!

Just FYI, I got the call after school today that our venue in Sheboygan, Wisconsin is available for us on July 12, 2014. If any of you are early planners, mark it down :)

(Also, if you're interested in checking it out online, both the ceremony and reception will take place at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center)

New Year Greeting

We want to wish all of our family a "Happy New Year".  We look forward to family celebrations:  Grandpa has an 80th birthday, wedding, graduations, Birchwood,  etc.  We are beginning a new year, a wonderful time to refocus our attention on God and His faithfulness.  No matter what we have been through in the past or what lies ahead in our future, God will be faithful.  Let's be thankful that the Creator of this world also created and cares for us.  Proverbs 3:5,6  "Trust in the Lord with all our heart.  Don't lean on our own understanding.  In all our ways acknowledge Him; and He will direct our paths."

Gift Basket

We want to thank the married grandchildren for their thoughtfulness in sending us a wonderful basket of goodies for Christmas.  Thanks!  Thanks!  Thanks!  We are enjoying the fruit, candy, cookies, etc.

Coles Basketball Game

If you're looking for something to do on New Year's Day, Coles high school team will be playing in the Roundball Region Rumble at the Hammond Civic Center at 7 pm.  We don't know too much about the details (cost, how we'll it's attended, etc.) but his team was invited because they are ranked in the state this year.  Just wanted to let you know if you're interested.  We will be attending.  It will be a game against Pioneer high school.  We are 6-0 at the present.

Not Just One Brian Anymore...

I feel it's fitting after Uncle Keith's speech to let you know that there will now be another Brian in the family!

On Sunday the 22nd Brian took me back to Timothy Christian High School and proposed right at the spot where we met. I, of course, said yes. (I mean, who could say no to that handsome face?) Rudi got the whole thing on video so you can ask him for footage if you'd like to see it happen. He gave me a beautiful diamond and it's safe to say that I am on cloud 9 and don't plan to come down anytime soon.

Following the engagement, Brian had arranged for my parents, siblings, and Karley and Sam to be waiting at his parents' house in Libertyville along with his whole immediate family for lunch and celebrating. After that, and seeing a lot of you at Auntie Lee's party, and now going back home for Christmas, I am completely overwhelmed (in a good way!) at all of the support and loving people that God has put in my life. Brian is so excited to be a part of our big family and told me how welcoming everyone was to him. We're thankful for all of you :) 

I don't have many wedding details worked out yet, but I'll try to be good about letting you know as they come!

VAN DRUNEN CHRISTMAS UPDATE

On our original information we indicated we would meet at 4:00 p.m.  Keith & Cher are inviting us to come any time after 1:00 on Saturday, December 21.

Aunt Lee's Van Drunen Christmas

Dear Family,  We received an e-mail from Brenda with information regarding our Christmas Get-Together at Bethel Church (formerly Community Bible Church), 13620 Wicker Avenue, Cedar Lake, IN on Monday, December 23, at 6:00 p.m.  Our family is to bring:  bread & butter, 2 desserts, and vegetables & dip.  I'm not sure who received Brenda's e-mail, so I'm forwarding this information.  Let Brenda know if you are able to attend (219)613-6843 or bjdy22@yahoo.com.  Those attending - Let me know what you would like to bring.  I will bring a dessert.

Brenda mentioned the church is not charging for building use, but suggested we bring donations for their food pantry.

VAN DRUNEN CHRISTMAS - 2013

We are looking forward to our Christmas gathering on Saturday, December 21, at 4:00 p.m. at Keith & Cher's home.  Get your voices in tune for our sing-a-long.  Our menu will consist of the following:  The meat (ham sandwiches & chicken) will be provided.  Needed - salads, vegetables & dip,  buns, chips, desserts, drinks, or your specialty.  Comment on the blog what you will be bringing.

New Contest - "Geographical Mysteries" - bring pictures.  Information written on back should include:  who, where, date, possible occasion.

Ladies & Girls' Boxes - Ladies - gift that starts with the middle initial of your name.  Girls - do your thing.

FYI - Aunt Lee's Party is Monday, December 23 at Bethel Church, Cedar Lake.  (same church but different name)